Share this Story

The American Indian Warrior Way in Words: Code Talker Chester Nez's New Memoir, Plus: 'Warriors in Uniform' and 'America's First Warriors'

ICTMN Staff

3/18/13

One way to honor the service and sacrifice of our American Indian Warriors is to carry forth their stories. Introduced here are three tremendous recent books presenting these stories, including those of Original 29 Navajo Code Talker Chester Nez.

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE CODE TALKER

By Chester Nez, with Judith Schiess Avila

Penguin, 2012

After the publication of his acclaimed book, Code Talker, Navajo Code Talker Chester Nez reflects on the path that took him to where he is today—from growing up on the New Mexico reservation steeped in the traditions of his Native American ancestors, to his days fighting alongside other Code Talkers, to his hardships and triumphs after the war. Here are stories of his family, then and now, tales of his close relationship to nature and her creatures, accounts of how his life and legacy have changed since publishing his memoir, and a tribute to his fallen friends.

A timely and moving book that beautifully documents the service of Native Americans in the armed forces. Interviews with Pueblo, Apache, Navajo, Osage, and other Native American service men and women give insight into the warrior spirit. Striking images capture stirring moments of war, grief, community, family bonds, and homecoming.

For an NPR interview with the author, click here. For a slide show of photos by the author from the book, click here.

Native Americans have served in the U.S. military during each of this country's wars, and their stories encompass heroism, tragedy, humor, stoicism, loyalty and conflict. This illustrated history tells the exploits of the last Confederate general—a Cherokee—to lay down his arms, the code talkers who used tribal languages to thwart the enemy in World War II, the first Native American woman to give her life as a soldier, and those serving in Iraq today. Spiritual, poignant, gripping, even shocking (warriors still took scalps in Vietnam), it reveals how ancient traditions of war persevere and how the warrior designation is a great honor to the Native American community. Packed with first person accounts and sharing little-known insights into a culture that is still misunderstood, this page-turning epic includes a stunning gallery of never-before-seen artifacts from personal collections.

I am honored to have the descendents of mighty warriors in the ranks of the USA military.
With a proud tradition behind them I hope the best for these modern-warriors surely worthy of emulation.
A few years ago I read the story of the World War 2 Indian warrior who met his tribes requirement to become a chief... taking an enemy horse, besting the foe in battle and other requirements.
I forget which tribe but it was one with a homeland in the upper Great Plains area.
I DO hold a deep desire the political leaders think of the masses of common folks when sending forth out troops. Let the ruling-elite class and corporate USA fight their own wars when We, the People, are sent forth to serve the few whose greed is a disease with them.
But, no matter the cause, those serving are to be honored by all with condemnation only for those who wrongly send those brave men and women.
And, mistakes do occur but it can only be hoped those isolated-from-us-common-folks high-level politicians will learn from their mistakes.
Thank you current and past warriors.
You have made the USA and your own people proud!!!